Top 10 Most Caught Fish Species in the US

Fishing is a cherished pastime in the United States, offering recreational joy, economic benefits, and a deep connection to nature. Knowing the most commonly caught fish species can guide anglers and aid in conservation and management efforts. This blog post delves into the top 10 most caught fish species in the US, providing general information, distribution, habitat, and the areas where they are most commonly found.

Top 1: Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are arguably the most iconic freshwater game fish in the United States. They are renowned for their aggressive behavior and powerful fights. Largemouth bass are characterized by their large mouths that extend beyond their eyes and their dark green bodies with horizontal stripes.

Allocation

Largemouth bass are distributed widely across the United States. They can be found in almost every state, from the East Coast to the West Coast, and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

Habitat

Largemouth bass prefer warm, calm waters with plenty of vegetation. They thrive in lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs with abundant cover such as weeds, logs, and lily pads.

Most Common Areas

Largemouth bass are most commonly caught in states like Florida, Texas, California, and the Great Lakes region. Notable locations include Lake Okeechobee (FL), Lake Fork (TX), and the California Delta.

Top 2: Catfish

Catfish, particularly channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), are favorites among freshwater anglers for their size, strength, and excellent flavor. They are known for their distinctive whisker-like barbels and their ability to thrive in various water conditions.

Allocation

Catfish are widely distributed across the United States, particularly in the central and southern regions. They inhabit rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.

Habitat

Catfish prefer warm waters with muddy or sandy bottoms. They are often found in deeper pools, river bends, and areas with abundant cover such as submerged logs and rocks.

Most Common Areas

Catfish are commonly caught in the Mississippi River, Missouri River, and reservoirs such as Lake Texoma (TX/OK) and Santee Cooper Lakes (SC).

Top 3: Trout

Trout, including rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), are popular game fish known for their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights. They are often stocked in freshwater systems to provide recreational fishing opportunities.

Allocation

Trout are found primarily in cold-water streams, rivers, and lakes across the United States, particularly in the Western and Northern regions.

Habitat

Trout thrive in clear, cold waters with high oxygen levels. They are often found in fast-moving streams and rivers, as well as cold-water lakes.

Most Common Areas

Trout are commonly caught in states such as Montana, Colorado, California, and Pennsylvania. Notable locations include the Madison River (MT), the Colorado River (CO), and Lake Tahoe (CA/NV).

Top 4: Salmon

Salmon, including Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), are prized for their fighting ability, size, and culinary value. They are anadromous, meaning they migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn.

Allocation

Salmon are primarily found in the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, and parts of Alaska.

Habitat

Salmon inhabit both marine and freshwater environments. They spend most of their lives in the ocean and migrate to freshwater rivers and streams to spawn.

Most Common Areas

Salmon are commonly caught in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. Notable locations include the Kenai River (AK), Columbia River (WA/OR), and the Sacramento River (CA).

Top 5: Red Drum

Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as redfish, are a popular saltwater game fish known for their strength and fight. They are characterized by a reddish body and a distinctive black spot near the tail.

Allocation

Red drum are found primarily along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico.

Habitat

Red drum inhabit estuaries, bays, and coastal waters. They are often found in shallow waters near seagrass beds, marshes, and oyster reefs.

Most Common Areas

Red drum are commonly caught in states like Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Notable locations include Tampa Bay, Galveston Bay, and Pamlico Sound.

Top 6: Crappies

Crappies, including black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), are popular panfish known for their schooling behavior and excellent taste. They are a favorite among anglers for both sport and table fare.

Allocation

Crappies are found throughout the United States, with higher concentrations in the Midwest, South, and Southeastern regions.

Habitat

Crappies prefer clear waters with abundant vegetation and structure. They are commonly found in lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers, often near submerged trees, brush piles, and docks.

Most Common Areas

Crappies are commonly caught in lakes such as Kentucky Lake (KY/TN), Lake of the Ozarks (MO), and Grenada Lake (MS).

Top 7: Striped Bass

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are a migratory game fish known for their size, strength, and excellent taste. They are popular targets in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Allocation

Striped bass are found along the Atlantic coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in several inland reservoirs and rivers.

Habitat

Striped bass prefer open waters with moderate to strong currents. In freshwater, they are often found in large reservoirs and rivers, while in saltwater, they inhabit coastal waters and estuaries.

Most Common Areas

Striped bass are commonly caught in the Chesapeake Bay, Hudson River (NY), and inland reservoirs such as Lake Texoma (TX/OK) and Lake Lanier (GA).

Top 8: Bluegill

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) are small, but highly popular panfish known for their wide distribution and willingness to bite. They are a staple for beginner anglers and a common target for experienced fishermen as well.

Allocation

Bluegill are found across the United States, especially in the Midwest, South, and Eastern states. They inhabit a variety of freshwater environments.

Habitat

Bluegill thrive in warm, calm waters with plenty of vegetation. They are commonly found in ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and reservoirs, often near the shore in shallow waters.

Most Common Areas

The Midwest and Southern states are hotspots for bluegill fishing. Popular locations include Lake St. Clair (MI), Lake Seminole (GA/FL), and many farm ponds and small lakes.

Top 9: Walleye

Walleye (Sander vitreus) are a popular game fish known for their excellent taste and challenging fishing conditions. They are primarily sought after in northern and central regions of the United States.

Allocation

Walleye are found primarily in the northern and central United States, especially in the Great Lakes region and northern states.

Habitat

Walleye prefer clear, cool waters with rocky or sandy bottoms. They are commonly found in large lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, often near drop-offs and structures.

Most Common Areas

Walleye are commonly caught in the Great Lakes (MI, OH, PA, NY), Lake of the Woods (MN), and the Mississippi River.

Top 10: Yellow Perch

Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) are small but highly popular panfish known for their tasty fillets and schooling behavior. They are a favorite among ice fishermen and open-water anglers alike.

Allocation

Yellow perch are found throughout the northern and eastern United States, particularly in the Great Lakes region.

Habitat

Yellow perch prefer cooler waters with abundant vegetation. They are commonly found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, often near submerged structures and vegetation.

Most Common Areas

Yellow perch are commonly caught in the Great Lakes, Lake Erie (OH/PA/NY), and many smaller lakes and ponds throughout the northern states.

Fishing in the United States offers a diverse range of opportunities, from the thrilling fights of largemouth bass and striped bass to the abundant and tasty catches of bluegill and crappies. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, understanding the habits and habitats of these top 10 most caught fish species can enhance your fishing experience and help you make the most of your time on the water.

By exploring the best fishing spots, using the right techniques, and practicing sustainable fishing, you can enjoy the rich aquatic life that the US has to offer.